Exercise "Essential" In Maintaining Overall Health For Older Adults

For almost every senior, it is crucial to work out or stay fit. Exercise can be an essential part of maintaining overall health and well-being. There are many exercises and activities for every age group that can increase your health and fitness level. So let us take a moment to see all the other reasons why you should start exercising.

A clean and straightforward workout routine can help to prevent diseases like heart and diabetes, improve mental health, decrease the risk of falls, improve cognitive functions, sleep better, and create a social platform. Today’s seniors are in more peril than ever before, “ A recent study suggested that about 67 percent of the older population is sedentary for at least 8.5 hours each day, suggesting a need to improve activity level for senior health.” ( Wellness.nifs.org) So what that tells me is that it’s time to get up and become more active in the best way possible – this can be walking, swimming, yoga, golfing, or an actual workout routine.

Now you don’t want to jump into a workout routine without knowing some fundamental guidelines to exercise for seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “If you are 65 years of age or older, are generally fit, and have no limiting health conditions, you need at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. It is also essential to do muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week.” For strength, you want to be able to do 8 to 12 reps of that exercise before you take a break. Then it would help if you tried to repeat that exercise three to two more times depending on your fitness level and health concern.

As in saying that, having some physical activity with those guidelines is better than none at all. Older adults need to move more and sit less throughout their day. Older adults that can do some physical activity will increase their health. According to My Senior Health Plan, “One of the best things about exercise is that there is always something for everyone, and it is never too late to start moving.” As I said before, you can begin dancing, walking, swimming, yoga, Tai Chi, gardening, or playing with your grandchildren.

Now you are going to get to a point where you have been doing your physical activity, and you seem to feel better and more confident as well. “Research has shown that exercise is not only good for your physical health. It also supports emotional and mental health.”(nia.nih.gov) it is also the social aspect of being able to grab a friend or be in a group and give you emotional support when you are exercising. Therefore, when you are feeling down, get up, grab a friend, and start moving!

Now that you have the information, it is time to take your first step – get up, be healthy and be great!

Article written by Kendall, X. Hicks II, Wellness Coordinator for The Community at Sunset Wood

For the full article with references please visit www.sunsetwood.org/news/2020/6/19/how-exercise-is-essential-in-maintaining-overall-health-for-older-adults